The High Commission of Sri Lanka in the United Kingdom together with the Sri Lankan Lawyers Tsunami Charity hosted a commemorative event for the 20th anniversary of the Indian Ocean Tsunami, on 19 December 2024 at the High Commission premises.
The objective of the event was to highlight the resilience of Sri Lankans, acknowledge the contributions made by the British-Sri Lankans in the aftermath of the Tsunami, while garnering the support of the British-Sri Lankan community as a united force to contribute to Sri Lanka's development. The event commenced with the singing of the national anthem followed by the lighting of the oil lamp. Pursuant to observing a two-minute silence in honour of those who lost their lives due to Tsunami, multi-faith religious observances were conducted by the faith leaders, who invoked blessings on Sri Lanka and its people.
Sending a message to the commemorative event, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Employment of Sri Lanka, Arun Hemachandra thanked the Government of the United Kingdom for facilitating humanitarian assistance to those affected in the immediate aftermath through the British Red Cross. In the message, special reference was made to the visit by King Charles to the Tsunami affected areas of Sri Lanka, then in his capacity as Prince of Wales, and President of the British Red Cross in 2005. He also thanked the British people who contributed over £300 million in support of the affected countries, as well as the British Sri Lankan community.
Addressing the invitees, Actg. High Commissioner of Sri Lanka in London, Manorie Mallikaratchy recalled the outpouring of compassion from across the world in the immediate aftermath of the tragedy. She thanked the UK Government and the British people for coming forward to support Sri Lankans in the face of adversity. She also thanked the British Sri Lankan Community for rallying together to provide relief, rebuild lives, and restore hope to the fellow Sri Lankans back home. She highlighted that despite all the sorrow which rekindles on 26 December every year, the date has also become an international symbol of the power that can come from solidarity on varying scales.
Chair of Sri Lankan Lawyers Tsunami Charity, Lalith de Kauwe outlined the objectives of the charity which was established in January 2005 in support of the disadvantaged communities in Sri Lanka and the assistance it has extended in the form of financial aid, food, education, housing and medical aid. He paid homage to all the charities in the UK that continue to support Sri Lankans in need.
The event was attended by representatives of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office and members of the British Sri Lankan community.
High Commission of Sri Lanka
London
20 December 2024
